Author: Bill

It’s January 7, 2006, and while winter holds most in its chilly embrace, here in Missoula, the sun grants us a reprieve perfect for a bike ride. Today, I’m embarking on a route I fondly call Pattee – Deer Creek – East Missoula.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—it’s hardly cycling season. Football playoffs are in full swing (Go New England Patriots!), yet the call of the outdoors is too strong to resist. The day began in the company of my bike, performing a meticulous tune-up. New front brakes, a cleanup of the rear brakes and drivetrain—it’s this dedicated prep time that inadvertently set the stage for today’s demanding adventure.

Rolling out around noon, the weather seemed undecided, flirting with both rain and snow. Pattee Canyon greeted me with a layer of ice, a challenge I hadn’t anticipated. As I ventured further, a snowstorm enveloped the landscape, transforming the road into a winter wonderland. Unwilling to halt, I navigated the edge of the ditch, where crusty snow offered better traction.

Descending Deer Creek road, I braved the onslaught of freezing rain, a test of endurance and will. But the real kicker? A flat tire just as I neared East Missoula. That was the moment when adventure met adversity.

Now, back home, football on TV, and coziness reclaiming its place, the day’s trials feel distant. The ordeal of a frozen CO2 cartridge sticking to my numb fingers fades, replaced by thoughts of ice cream and the warmth of a well-deserved nap.

For those inspired to brave the elements on two wheels, Winter Cycling Tips offers invaluable advice. And if you’re looking to gear up for your next cold-weather ride, Missoula Bicycle Works has everything you need. Remember, even in the heart of winter, the roads can be your playground!

I slept real well last night. Maybe it is the real bed or the quietness of Lambert. Maybe my mind is reflecting my struggle to come up with something to blog. Not too much to bitch about and not too much to do. A mind vacation.

Yesterday started with biscuits and gravy which is all right by me. After breakfast is when the real fun begun.

Aunt Paula got a Roomba. A Roomba is a robot vacuum cleaner. The little guy is tenacious and very thorough. 5 of us followed the little Roomba around all day to see where it would clean next.

Ol Roomba is as fun to watch as any house robot and makes house cleaning fun with its little blue “Found Dirt” light and dirt attack mode. Roomba currently heading for the bathroom has it’s followers heading into another room so I better run.

It’s the morning after. Aunt Paula, Grandma Ruby, and myself. We are sitting around talking about last night’s Holiday Swaray here in a wind-swept and slightly chilly Lambert. Myself … I remember my new found title as Bean Bag Grand Champion.

Mostly because I had slightly less alcohol. I played two dozen games, only losing twice. The game, Bean Bags, is mostly like horse-shoes but done with bean bags and wooden apparatus with a hole in it.

The party was a tremendous success mostly because of Uncle Dave’s big ass garage … ah, indoor area.

Signing off from Lambert, Montana.

Well, here I am at the trail head a little behind. I must hump it up University Ridge if I am going to catch the sun rise. Its 31 degrees with Inversion in the valley. Marcy is with me and anxious to go.

7.14 am : It has become apparent I don't need snow shoes so I am taking them off along with my warm clothes. The breeze seems warm and it is like spring and I start up the south ridge from the upper jeep trail directly north of the upper parking lot. Must get going … here comes the sun. The Christmas lights give the cloud quilt over Missoula an interesting glow.

7.58 am : I have not at the top, only 600 feet to go. I am setting up for some sunrise shots. There is a huge storm system sweeping over the Bitteroot and heading towards me. The sun is supposed to rise around 8:15 but it is very light out now and has been so for 30 minutes. Very strong winds up here around 35 to 40 MPH.

8.22 am : The show has begun!

9.12 am : Show is over. I went up the ridge to the top taking pictures the entire way. It dos'nt feel like an extra ordinary set of shots. The sun came up behind a mountain so that wasn't great. I think if I was on the far East Ridge near the Eastern towers of the University Range, I could of got some better shots going down the valley.

Now I am back at base camp that I set up at 8 AM. Marcy seems to be happy and I have had a great time. Merry Holidays!

I feel like I could spend the entire day up here above the clouds. I know that sooner or later I will get cold or hungry. My ass is already cold from sitting in this snow bank. Well so long from the Top of University Mountain.

10.38 am : Back at the car. The hike down wad great. I thought about the gifts that I found on my doorstep this morning. It was like Santa Claus had come overnight. I must of been a good boy this year.

One gift was from my landlord and includes a special holiday mixture (adult beverage). The second gift was the best. My friend Julie had dropped off a basket full of her home made ginger snaps. I will tell you this; they are quite possibly the yummiest cookies on the planet … and, I don't care for ginger either.

So I have had a good Christmas so far and I hope everyone out there has a great Holiday as well. Signing off from the Pattee Canyon trail head.

Woke up early with a huge headache. This was about 6 am and I am now just getting down to making breakfast. I have just adjusted the little radio that I have to receive NPR with minimal interference. I am about to crack some eggs as Marcy looks on contently.

… fast forward to 1.14 PM. Damn, using a PDA as a main computer is proving to be almost impossible. I have been trying to edit my sisters blog all day. My Palm has crashed so many times I am going mad.

I finally got my mail and now that I can not think of what I wanted to say or scream, I am leaving. Happy Holidays from Break Expresso.

There’s something magical about reaching the peak just as the evening sky turns into a canvas of twinkling stars. It was 6.05 PM, and I had just conquered South Sentinel Mountain, a journey that took me along the scenic Pengally Ridge Trail – or as I fondly call it, the South Ridge.

As I stood there, the city below was a distant sparkle, like a giant Christmas tree decorated in thousands of lights. The clouds, touched by the city’s glow, wore an orange hue, adding to the surreal beauty of the moment.

But this ascent wasn’t just about the view. It was a moment of reflection, away from the chaos of work and the absurdities of office politics. There’s something about the cold breeze at the summit that puts everything into perspective.

The descent was a race against the cold and hunger, a reminder of the mountain’s unyielding nature. By 6.52 PM, back on familiar ground, I felt a mix of relief and accomplishment. The mountain had once again offered its silent wisdom, and I, a weary hiker, had listened.

Resources to Enhance Your Day:

1. Trail Guide to Pengally Ridge: For a detailed exploration, check out Pengally Ridge Hiking Guide.
2. Mountain Photography Tips: Capture those breathtaking views with tips from Mountain Photo Essentials.
3. Hiking Gear Essentials: Gear up properly with recommendations from Outdoor Gear Lab.
4. Mindfulness in Nature: Learn to find serenity on your hikes at Nature Mindfulness.
5. Local Eateries Near South Sentinel: Refuel with the best local cuisine listed on Sentinel Mountain Eats.

Holidays, huh? They’re supposed to be all about joy and cheer. Well, not always. Sometimes, it’s more like a comedy of errors, a series of unfortunate events that make you want to scream, “Merry whatever!”

Picture this: you’re at your favorite coffee shop, rehashing the absurdity of office holiday parties. Secret Santa, anyone? More like Secret Stress-a. These office traditions can be a mixed bag of awkward gift exchanges and forced merriment. As you narrate this to your friend, you’re really feeling the holiday spirit (note the sarcasm).

Then, as if on cue, your day takes a nosedive. You hop on your bike, and what happens? The chain breaks. Oh, and did I mention it’s freezing cold? Like, five degrees below zero. There you are, stranded in the middle of the road, making a scene because, honestly, what else is there to do?

Finally, you arrive at work, seeking solace among friendly faces. But nope, not today. The office is filled with grumbles, side-eye glances, and under-the-breath comments. Everyone’s in a foul mood, spreading anything but holiday cheer.

So, there you have it. A day that makes you want to say, “Happy freaking holidays!” But hey, there’s a silver lining here. These moments make for great stories, the kind you laugh about years later. So, chin up, and remember, it’s just a day. Tomorrow’s a new one, hopefully with fewer broken bike chains and a bit more cheer.

Holiday Resources for the Weary Soul

1. The Art of Surviving Office Holidays – A hilarious guide to navigating office holiday parties, gift exchanges, and more.
2. Bicycle Maintenance 101 – Tips and tricks to keep your bike in top shape, especially during the winter months.
3. Finding Humor in the Holidays – A collection of funny holiday stories and advice on how to keep your spirits high, no matter what.
4. Guide to Office Etiquette – A practical guide to maintaining peace and professionalism in the workplace, holiday season or not.
5. Staying Warm and Safe in Winter – Essential tips for staying warm and safe during the coldest months, whether you’re biking, walking, or just braving the outdoors.

While I wait for a situation to debug the latest Sophos, I might as well blog. Today started out bad enough, but now I find myself in the back room at MARS Stout trying to get Sophos to work. Sophos is an antivirus/worm/trojan application and is supposed to be a decent package. It’s a pain to configure, and now we have a machine that seems to dislike it altogether. Alas, I’ll be stuck in the back room today.

This weekend was pretty low-key. I slept all day Saturday, and yesterday I went skiing with some friends out at the Rattlesnake Rec Area. It turned out to be a perfect opportunity to learn tele-turns. We had a great time. I even found enough time afterward to take a nap and clean the house. Lazy… hazy… days of winter!

Here I sit doing my laundry and finding that I can get a wireless signal. It's a Friday afternoon after a beautiful sunset. I have opted out of going to Bernices Bakery so I thought I would be productive. Please don't mind the spelling and grammar as I am typing this out on my PDA.

This weekend promises to be good one with a ski party on Sunday. Well I must see if this will post. Have a great weekend everyone.

The snow has arrived, and with it, the end of mountain biking in and around Missoula. I still cycle to work, but hitting the trails on a bike? Not a great idea right now. The silver lining? There’s enough snow for skiing.

This Thursday’s Starry Night Ski in the Rattlesnake Recreation Area was sparsely attended, but that didn’t dampen my spirits. I had an absolute blast.

The route began up Spring Creek, veering onto Curry Cabin Trail. After reaching the ridge, it descended into Saw Mill Gulch and returned to the trailhead via the Mandatory Single Track. It was so exhilarating that I’m contemplating organizing a back-country Ski Series at the Snake.

Next week, Starry Night will explore the trails of Pattee Canyon. I’m also eager to ski the University Mountain South Ridge. Hope to see you there!

Good morning from The Break Espresso, where I am chomping on a Snickerdoodle and sipping some coffee. It seems life is outpacing me this morning. Ever since I fell behind on the climb Sunday, I really haven’t interfaced with anyone that much. Absolutely no emails, and no visitors to the Web Lodge!

I need to catch up. Tonight, I’m going hiking with Marcy (and the camera, of course) to take inversion shots and possibly capture the sunset. If I can catch up to the sun, then I will have not only caught up with life but also passed everyone in the process.

I’ll see you when you get there!

The clear skies let all of Thursday’s warmth float away, replaced by cold temperatures as we gathered at the Blue Mountain Recreation Area parking lot for Starry Night Rides II. In attendance were Larry D., Bill S., Dave R., Ross B., and myself. The cold was a blessing, as it meant excellent trail conditions.

We rode up the switchbacks just above the meadow climb to the southwest of the parking lot, then continued up to the upper parking lot. It was Ross’s first night ride, and he was learning the ropes. Too much clothing and you roast; not enough, and you risk freezing your chain rings off.

We did a couple of smaller loops, including the enchanted forest ridge downhill—twice. I didn’t mind and bombed it as usual. It’s refreshing to have someone around to pick up the pieces in case I fall on my head.

The ride went great without any incidents. We finished up by doing the lower meadow downhill to the road east of the area, then back to the vehicles via the field. Dave brought the post-ride beverages, and we went over a few night riding details before heading our separate ways.

Next week is Thanksgiving, so there will be no Starry Night until the following week. I’m available for a night ride on Tuesday, so give me a call or email. Don’t get flabby; we climb again in two weeks! Be there or be warm!

Here I sit with a cup-o-Joe in hand at the Break Espresso. I am over my dilemma finally after getting down to business with my things to do list for today. I run into this brainteaser every morning as I try to put cream in my coffee. It’s those karasks (what ever they call those insulated containers) that they use. You open one up to pour but it doesn’t pour so you turn the lid the other way. Nothing! Somehow though you manage to wiggle and jiggle it enough to finally get some cream out.

Heck you don’t even see it pour out; you just end up with creamer in your coffee. Not to mention the fact that you are always the one who empties the damn thing out. But with that mystery proposed let me say that I am finally back on track with a new set of skis. Last weekend you may recall that I broke my current set.

So now I am planning ski trips this weekend and a bike ride tonight with the Thursday Niters. Oh Starry Nights! Last night was a great ride as I went out to preview the course. The traction is as good as it gets with minimal snow on the trails. Surprisingly enough Marcy even found enough to complete the loop with me.

Yea, I thought she could get out and I could do our little loop that we are doing tonight. Instead we ended up doing the summer loop and now she sits home recovering. She is doing real well and the run seems to have her back to her old self and in shape.

This is the earliest I have ever gone cross-country skiing. Yesterday, Sunday, a couple of friends and I traveled to Lolo Pass to check out the conditions. What did we find? Great conditions.

I had my old setup, with duct tape and screws holding everything together. About a third of the way through, my buckle broke off my boot. We used duct tape to mend the problem boot.

A couple of miles later, I fell backwards and broke the binding completely off the ski. So we brought out the duct tape again, this time using all we had to tape my boot to the ski.

After another mile, it all unraveled. The back part of the binding fell off, and my heel was slipping all over the ski. Finally, after some real hard effort, the entire thing came off the ski, and my day of skiing was over. I had to hike back to the vehicle.

But wait, we’re not finished with the mishap list. I started to run and soon realized that my feet were getting cold. I looked down and saw the sole of my boot had broken out, and the sides were letting in snow. I thought I was going to end up barefoot. What a challenge.

I finally arrived at the lodge and overcame it all. The ginger snaps and cocoa refueled my soul for skiing, and now my thoughts are drifting to next week… skiing with some new skis. I’m hoping to score some used equipment at one of the shops in town. So now, I sit, recovering from overexertion, enjoying this fabulous Monday! Yeah, right!

My bike lighting system may just make it one more year. Last night I burned the 10w bulb and had to only change to the backup battery pack after one hour of riding. I was pleasantly surprise although the backup burned out in 15 minutes.